Our purpose
Business creates opportunities for people to work together, understand different perspectives and build shared interests. UECN connects businesses across China and the UAE to encourage cooperation, strengthen mutual understanding and contribute to peace.
Discover Our MissionThe Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre has launched a mandatory training course for brokers seeking commercial licences. The curriculum replaces the previous course and introduces the ADREC Certified Broker credential, which requires annual renewal.
Chinese autonomous driving firm Baidu Apollo launched its commercial driverless robotaxi service in Dubai on October 7, 2026. The launch marks the company's first operational commercial venture in the Middle East. The initiative supports Dubai's strategic objective of achieving 25 percent driverless transport by 2030.
The UAE fintech market is forecast to grow from roughly $3 billion in 2024 to more than $5 billion by 2029, with over 320 fintech companies active nationwide. Central Bank data shows the country has climbed to fourth globally on the Global FinTech Centre Index, with over 75 firms licensed or approved across six categories.
Energy efficiency retrofits in industrial motor systems represent the fastest and most economical route for the Gulf to achieve net-zero targets, according to ABB Middle East and Africa. Electric motors consume roughly 60 percent of industrial electricity in the region, yet only about a quarter are paired with variable speed drives. Upgrading existing operational equipment offers a rapid alternative to building new generation capacity as UAE power demand climbs toward 2040.
Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company has agreed to invest in Chinese coffee chain Luckin Coffee in a transaction valued at approximately $1 billion. Mubadala joins controlling shareholder Centurium Capital to back the chain's domestic and international growth. The investment aligns with Mubadala's wider portfolio in China, where it has deployed over $20 billion across more than 100 investments over the last decade.
Understand the policies, laws and regulations shaping business across China and the UAE.
Business registration · Investment · Taxation · Customs · Trade · Financial regulation · Employment · Visas · Free-zone policies
China Briefing reported key transfer pricing updates across Asia and the Middle East for the second quarter of 2026. In the UAE, Ministerial Decision No. 96 of 2026 adopted the latest OECD Pillar Two guidance, while Singapore clarified rules for share-based compensation and Vietnam issued Decree No. 255/2026/ND-CP. Foreign-invested enterprises are advised to review existing intercompany pricing policies against the revised frameworks.
Dubai has outlined the eligibility criteria for its one-year Virtual Work Visa available to remote employees and digital nomads of any nationality. Applicants must earn a minimum monthly income of US$3,500 (AED 12,856) from an employer or clients based outside the UAE. The residency permit allows holders to live in Dubai, travel internationally, access local services, and sponsor family members.
The Dubai government has detailed five essential steps foreign nationals must complete to secure private-sector work permits and residence visas. The process requires employers to secure pre-entry approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation before workers complete subsequent medical tests and residency formalities.
Follow the trade, investment and partnerships bringing China and the UAE closer together.
The Postal Corporation of Kenya has partnered with China-based Vnlin Logistics Technology to establish a regional cross-border e-commerce logistics hub in Nairobi. The collaboration includes plans for automated sorting facilities, digital customs clearance, and exploring three weekly 100-tonne freighter flights connecting Nairobi with commercial centres in China, Hong Kong, and Dubai.
Asia-Pacific real assets manager ESR has announced an expansion into the Middle East, targeting a $10 billion development pipeline in logistics and digital infrastructure. The initiative initially targets the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to develop scalable warehouses and data centres. ESR is currently negotiating with regional strategic partners and securing land positions.
Historically high freight yields are spurring container lines to launch dedicated services between India and Middle East ports, with UAE gateways such as Khor Fakkan seeing increased traffic. Danish carrier Maersk has deployed a new shuttle between India's Nhava Sheva and Khor Fakkan, while Chinese line CULines is planning an Asia-Middle East service. Ongoing overland cross-border transport bottlenecks and port congestion continue to elevate regional spot rates and trigger fresh carrier surcharges.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chaired a meeting of Dubai's Higher Committee for the Development of the Economic and Financial Sector to review key economic metrics. Dubai secured first place globally in FinTech in the September 2026 Global Financial Centres Index, while Dubai Financial Market capitalisation reached Dhs993.1 billion by the end of Q3 2026. Physical gold trading across the UAE reached 2,750 tonnes, highlighting Dubai's role as a trading conduit connecting global supply with demand markets including China.
Explore the industries creating new opportunities for cooperation across both markets.
Finance & Investment
United Arab Emirates equity markets retreated broadly on Thursday, with both major bourses posting drops of over 1.6%. The DFM General Index fell 1.70% to 5,797.12, while the FTSE ADX General Index slid 1.66% to close at 9,794.54.
Consumer Markets & Tourism
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has updated its Bahrain travel guidance, noting ongoing regional volatility and potential travel disruptions. British nationals are advised to prepare for possible airspace closures and flight cancellations.
Energy & Sustainability
A research paper from the Middle East Council on Global Affairs examines expanding economic and strategic relations between GCC states and Central Asia. The study highlights the Gulf's capacity to deploy capital and expertise across energy, critical minerals, and logistics alongside China's regional infrastructure footprint. It recommends strategic investment coordination among the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
Logistics & Trade
Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre has signed an agreement with Elon Musk's The Boring Company to evaluate underground transport and utility tunnel solutions across the emirate. The partnership was finalised during the Liveability and Investment Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The initiative will examine feasibility, delivery models, and local capability development in advanced tunnelling technologies.
Stay informed about official travel advisories, entry restrictions and transport disruptions across the Middle East.
Official travel advisory
Bahrain, Manama
Flight cancellation / route change
Tehran, Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA)
Flight cancellation / route change
Hamad International Airport, Bahrain International Airport (BAH), Kozhikode (CCJ)
Entry, visa and border restriction
Saudi Arabia
Alerts are based on official sources and show when they were last verified. Always follow the guidance of the official authorities. The absence of an alert does not mean that a destination is safe.
Discover forums, exhibitions and business gatherings connecting people across China and the UAE.
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Connect with businesses across China and the UAE. Exchange knowledge, explore opportunities and contribute to a community that values cooperation, mutual understanding and peace.
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